Introduction

Rotaract is a club for males and females aged between 18 and 29 years old. It is apolitical, has no religious connections and is a non-profit organisation (money raised is donated to various causes). Rotaractors meet regularly to plan and participate in social and community services activities.

Each Rotaract Club is sponsored by one or more Rotary Clubs but are responsible for developing their own projects and activities. It is a worldwide organisation with interaction between local, interstate and overseas clubs, creating an opportunity for meeting new friends everywhere.

The History of Rotaract

Rotaract was initiated in 1968 by Rotary International as a plan whereby Rotary Clubs could sponsor a club for young adults. In March 1968 the first club was chartered. It consisted of 16 members and was 'The Rotaract Club of Charlotte', North Carolina, USA. Australia was not far behind, and on June 14 'The Rotaract Club of Brisbane West' was chartered.

Victoria now has over 30 clubs and there are 120,000 members worldwide. Each country is divided into Districts that contain many clubs.

North Balwyn is in District 9800, the oldest club in which is Essendon, which was formed June 17, 1969.

The Purposes and Goals of Rotaract

Each Rotaract Club is chartered with the aim to develop responsible citizens who will perform to high standards in their working life and their community involvements. Members are prepared to help others in the local and wider community at the same time gaining skills and understanding through their efforts.

Rotaract has six specific goals:

1. To develop professional and leadership skills
2. To emphasize respect for the rights of others, based on the recognition of the worth of each individual
3. To recognise the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve
4. To recognise, practice and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities
5. To develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems and opportunities in the community and worldwide
6. To provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote international understanding and good will toward all people.

A Rotaract Club

Rotaract Clubs usually meet fortnightly in the evening of a weeknight. These General Meetings have a fairly structured format, which is discussion of any club business followed by a guest speaker, social activities, discussions etc.

The Club is governed by the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer as well as a Director from each of the four service committees (collectively know as The Board). The four committees are Professional Development, Community Service, International Service and Club Service.

The committees and the Board meet monthly. The committee Directors report to the Board activities planned for the club, and the Board makes the final decision as to what activities the club participates in. Each club member is encouraged to be in a committee.

Elections for the Board positions are held annually and their own club members elect the members to a position.

The Roles of the Boardmembers

President

The President is responsible for the overall running of the club and is ultimately responsible for the clubs actions. They are responsible to Rotary, the District Committee and their own members. Their duties are:

• To provide leadership development opportunities for members and identify members skills and interests and designate them to work on club projects
• To monitor successful promotion and completion of the clubs community and international service projects
• To liaise with other Rotaract Clubs and Rotary to keep members informed of what is happening within their District.

Vice President

The Vice President assists the President in governing the club and presides when the President is absent.

Secretary

The Secretary takes the minutes of Board and Club meetings and is responsible for the incoming/outgoing correspondence. They act as the club promoter via correspondence with Rotary, District and international Rotaract Clubs, outside organisations and prospective members.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for the collection and distribution of club funds, the upkeep of the books and ensuring that cheques are issued correctly. They are in charge of two bank accounts: administration and service/projects (fund raising). They collect dues, pay club bills and reimbursements for the club. They also must annually forward all paperwork to the Corporate Affairs Office.

Professional Development Director

The Professional Development Service Director is involved with providing information on a wide cross-section of businesses and professions by organising guest speakers and visits to workplaces. They encourage leadership and self-education by organising training programs which educate and develop skills (such as organisational management) which benefits the members both in their career and everyday life.

Community Service Director

The Community Service Director is involved with increasing the knowledge and understanding of community needs, problems and opportunities. They develop projects which will service and improve the local community and are carried out by the club as a whole. Some examples are fund raising, garden maintenance for the elderly, assisting local organisations and tree planting (environment awareness).

A major District community project is 'SANTA', where Rotaract members dress as Santa and helpers and visit Christmas parties prior to Christmas. The proceeds recently have been donated to DEBRAA (Cotton Wool Babies), to assist with research or for the purchase of equipment.

International Service Director

The International Service Director provides knowledge and understanding of national and international affairs. They develop activities to give service for promoting the international understanding and good will toward all people. Some examples are sponsoring a thirld world child, participation in the '40 hour famine' or 'Walk Against Want', international guest speakers and communication with overseas clubs.

Club Service Director

The Club Service Director co-ordinates the social activites of the club and promotes fellowship within the club. They are responsible for club attendance and public relations. Activities are organised involving members of their own club and often members from others Rotaract Clubs also. Some examples are evenings out (movies, restaurants), sporting challenges (versus other Rotaract Clubs and Rotary), club raids and video nights.

The are two major 9800 District activities:

• CONROD - This is a weekend car observation trail. Clues are followed to reach the evening destination and then again the next morning to find lunch and the award ceremony;
• VicBall - This is a formal occasion. It is a Ball which involves all the Rotaract Clubs throughout Victoria.

What can you get out of Rotaract?

What you get out of Rotaract is proportional to what you put in! It depends on what you want from Rotaract.

Some members have only a short stay while others become highly involved in their club and stay until retiring age (30). These members often take on a role at a District level, thus giving other clubs the benefit of their knowledge. The average length of membership is 2-3 years with the member usually taking on a position of responsibility and many close friendships formed. Rotaract offers the opportunity to become involved in the community in which you live.

Where you go within the structure of Rotaract depends on your aspirations for development. If you are prepared to accept some responsibility you can reap a lot of satisfaction.

Cost and Membership Requirements

The cost of being a member is approximately $50 per year (varying club to club), which covers for most of the clubs administration expenses and insurance at all official Rotaract functions. Some clubs ask for door money (usually $1-$2) at a General Meeting to cover the cost of the room hire. There are a number of requirements to be able to remain a member of Rotaract, some of which are:

• You must be between 18 and 30
• Attend at least 60% of all General Meetings
• Be both social and community orientated, in keeping with the Rotaract Goals.

How to Become a Member

First you must show interest. This is simply achieved by attending about 3 or 4 General Meetings, and several activities. The main reason for this is for you to gauge if YOU like the club and for club members to get to know you. The Vice President or President will then approach you and ask if you would like to join their club. If you do wish to join they will get you to fill in an application for membership. Once this is completed the board will vote on your application at the next Board Meeting.

After your application has been accepted, you will be inducted as a member at a General Meeting. An induction is where the President will introduce you officially to the club, give a small speech and hand you an induction kit. You will then be welcomed by your fellow club members.